The city of Chernyakhovsk was created by the German knights of the Teutonic Order in 1336. The sights of Chernyakhovsk are the ruins of the knightly castles of Insterburg and Georgenburg, the historical Georgenburg stud farm, the Bismarck Tower, the remains of German urban architecture - a Gothic church, a Protestant church, villas and estates.
Where to go and what to see in Chernyakhovsk, description, photos and addresses, the most interesting and beautiful places.
A few facts about Chernyakhovsk
- Until 1945, Chernyakhovsk belonged to East Prussia and was called Insterburg. After World War II, the city became part of the Kaliningrad region and was renamed in 1946.
- Chernyakhovsk is named after the general and twice Hero of the Soviet Union Ivan Danilovich Chernyakhovsky (1907-1945), who was mortally wounded at the age of 37 by an accidental shell fragment.
- In 1944, the city was subjected to British bombing, as a result of which it was severely destroyed.
- On January 22, 1945, Insterburg was captured by the Red Army.
- Chernyakhovsk is the third city in the region in terms of population, after Kaliningrad and Sovetsk. About 40.4 thousand people live here.
- The streets of Chernyakhovsk are paved with cobblestones, both sidewalks and roadways.
- Filming of the fourth season of the series “According to the Laws of Martial Time” took place in Chernyakhovsk.
- The distance from Chernyakhovsk to Kaliningrad is about 90 km, to Pravdinsk - 75 km, to Gusev - 25 km.
Kaliningrad is the capital of the region
As of 2022, the population of Kaliningrad is approaching 480 thousand. The city's natural growth rate is high; there are many families with two or three children. In addition to Russians, Belarusians, Ukrainians, Armenians and Lithuanians live here. Traffic jams are rare in Kaliningrad. The city's transport accessibility is great; many minibuses can take you to your destination without any problems. There are enough kindergartens and schools for everything. There is a regional hospital with a diagnostic center.
The city is experiencing many infrastructure problems. But all of them are associated with the unscrupulous approach of utility services, which keep high tariffs, but are in no hurry to provide the proper level of service. Kaliningrad has a difficult situation with traffic intensity. It can be compared to the traffic of densely populated million-plus cities. Even though Kaliningrad is considered a large city relative to the entire region, its residents themselves never cease to be amazed at how many cars have increased in recent years. There are few transport links, so congestion may become even worse in the coming years. For now, they only bother Kaliningrad residents in the early morning and evening, when everyone is trying to get to work or home. The most difficult situation is observed on Moskovsky Prospekt. It is noteworthy that specialized transport, called “railbuses,” contributes to traffic jams. More precisely, the problem lies in the paths.
Kaliningrad has enough educational institutions. Students come here to further transfer to foreign universities. Kaliningrad residents can get not only an education in their city, but also good work experience.
Sights of Chernyakhovsk
The main attractions of Chernyakhovsk are the knights' castles and its rich history. The Swedish Queen Maria Eleanor lived here for some time; in 1709, after the victory in the Battle of Poltava, Peter I stayed overnight in Insterburg, and in 1812, before the invasion of Russia, Napoleon Bonaparte; Immanuel Kant often visited the city. Commemorative signs and plaques recount these events.
The battles of the Seven Years' War and two world wars took place on the territory of Insterburg and its environs. The city has an international military cemetery with the remains of German, Romanian, French and Russian soldiers.
Sovetsk is a city with developed infrastructure
The municipalities took care of the city streets. The population often notes that the roads in their yards are so beautiful that they surpass the landscaping of the yards in many large settlements. Accordingly, Sovetsk is great for walking. The mayor's office is making plans to pave the way for new streets.
Sovetsk has municipal preschool institutions and one kindergarten. The latter fact is overshadowed by the fact that people have to wait a long time to place their child.
For some period there were difficulties with healthcare. However, the national project “Health” made it possible to prevent diseases and successfully treat patients. This has reduced the number of cases associated with premature deaths. Currently, there are three treatment and prevention centers operating on the territory of Sovetsk:
- city Hospital;
- infectious diseases department;
- dentistry.
The city hospital has inpatient and emergency services, as well as a children's clinic. It is not always possible to serve all patients in a timely manner, but the municipal sector includes approximately 700 specialists with medical education. Ambulance transport, a laboratory complex, and various equipment are also provided. Sovetsk is distinguished by a large number of sports and fitness centers, but many of them do not have modern equipment. As a result, there is everything necessary for active sports, but there is simply no one to work with the population. The townspeople are trying to cope with the problem on their own.
Insterburg Castle
Address: Chernyakhovsk, Zamkovaya street, building 1.
Insterburg Castle, built in 1336, marked the beginning of the city, the name comes from the Instruch River flowing nearby. Over the years of its existence, the castle was destroyed many times; now it is a picturesque ruin. Excursions are held on the territory of the castle, performances are organized, and enthusiasts of the House-Castle Foundation work here.
Active recreation in Insterburg
The main sports centers of the city are located in the open air, which allows tourists to simultaneously enjoy active recreation and the wonderful climate of Chernyakhovsk.
Progress Stadium
- Address: Sportivnaya st., 19.
The stadium was founded in 1936 and was originally called York Boyen Insterburg. The football club operating at its base twice became the champion of the East Prussian League. The stadium received its modern name in 1976, at which time Chernyakhovsk became the football center of the region, which it is to this day.
The stadium keeps up with the times, and you can’t even tell by looking that it’s over 80. The football field is equipped with the latest technology. Competitions between city and foreign teams, sports competitions and amateur matches are regularly held here. Football fans always keep Progress on their radar.
Equestrian
- Address: Central street, 10, Mayovka village.
Chernyakhovsky stud farm is one of the oldest in Russia. It was founded during the prosperity of Georgenburg Castle and today is the only functioning part of the complex. Tourists visit the stud farm during a tour of the castle. From the second floor there is a beautiful view of the stables and open arenas.
You can only enter the stables with a guide. Here tourists will see horses of all stripes and breeds, including Trakens and Hanoverians. Thoroughbred horses take part in show jumping and exhibitions, and tourists are offered more modest horses for walking around the castle grounds. It is also possible to order training with a professional.
Church of St. Bruno
Address: Chernyakhovsk, st. Lenina, 17A
The Church of St. Bruno was built in the neo-Gothic style in 1902 for the Catholic community of the city in honor of St. Bruno by the architect Friedrich Heitmann. After World War II, the church was used as a military warehouse. In 1993 it was returned to Catholics.
St. Michael's Cathedral
Address: Chernyakhovsk, Pionerskaya street, building 20
One can say about this landmark of Chernyakhovsk that it is one of the most beautiful in the city - the Orthodox St. Michael's Cathedral. It is located in a former Protestant reform church, which is a common practice for the Kaliningrad region. The church was built in 1886-1890 in the New Romanesque style by the architect Friedrich Adler. The height of the tallest tower is 60.8 meters. Once upon a time, the church had an organ, painted walls and stained glass windows.
After the war, the church was used for other purposes and fell into disrepair. Its restoration began after the building was transferred to the Russian Orthodox Church in 1989.
Unusual Chernyakhov parks and squares
Chernyakhovsk is proud of its picturesque parks as well as its ancient streets. These green spaces occupy a special place among the city's highlights.
City Park
- Address: Prokhladny Lane.
The city park occupies a hilly area with groves of deciduous trees. The natural landscape is complemented by artificially created waterfalls, a pond, and stone stairs leading into the thicket of maples and oaks. Paved paths and ecological trails are laid through the forest.
In addition to natural beauty, you can find art objects here, for example, a stone wall with graffiti of a medieval knight. The city park has existed since Soviet times and has never lost its popularity during this time.
Frida Jung Park (Poetry Square)
- Coordinates: 54.640730, 21.841538.
Frida Jung is an East Prussian poetess who was born in the village of Dunaevka and died in Insterburg. She was buried in the “New German Cemetery,” which today has turned into the darkest and most mysterious park in the city.
The territory of the former cemetery is lost in a bush grove. Tombstones erased by time and rain can be seen through the thickets; in some places the outlines of graves can be discerned.
At the grave of Frida Jung there once stood a stone slab with a bas-relief portrait. The monument was not preserved and the poetess’s burial was lost in the thicket of the park.
The gloom of the park gradually dissipates as you approach the sunlit clearing. There are log benches and wooden hanging swings for children. This part of the grove is called the “Park of Poetry.”
Victory Park
- Address: Gornaya street.
Victory Park is located next to the City Park and is one of the most well-groomed places in Chernyakhovsk. It was founded in 2000 - in honor of the 55th anniversary of the Great Victory. A paved terrace with a wrought-iron fence appeared on the hill; the bridge across the river was also repaired and benches were installed. A walk of fame stretches along the path. Photos of veterans who lived and are living in Chernyakhovsk were installed on wooden poles.
Don't miss: Beautiful places in the Kaliningrad region and Sights of Kaliningrad
Monument to Chernyakhovsky
The monument to General Ivan Chernyakhovsky, commander of the 3rd Belorussian Front, was erected in 1977 and is located on Chernyakhovsky Square next to the bus station and railway station. Authors: sculptor B.V. Edunov and architect M.D. Nasekin. The total height of the bronze monument is 10.5 meters. On a red granite pedestal stands a bronze sculpture of a general in an open overcoat. Ceremonial events in the city are held at the monument to Chernyakhovsky.
Baltiysk is a city with specific problems
Little Baltiysk is far from the problems of large cities, but it has its own that can surprise the average resident of a million-plus population. Despite their small numbers, they often face a shortage of affordable housing. Old wooden dilapidated houses freeze in winter. Finding good housing for everyone is impossible. The infrastructure problems of Baltiysk concern the old water supply system, which is confined to the German system of the century before last. People complain about the water being of disgusting quality and having a rusty color. Of course, this does not apply to everyone, but rather to commuters.
There are few kindergartens; none have been built in the last three decades; the queue of applicants is so long that it can drag on for 5-10 years. Approximately 150 children per year can “enter” kindergartens, and there are already more than 1,500 applicants. But there are also very positive aspects regarding children. Sports facilities have been built for them where they can practice rowing. One such school is located on the Baltic Spit. There are no well-paid jobs here. The population is trying to go to Kaliningrad to earn money. They also go there for medical help, since Baltiysk cannot yet have a high level of medical care.
Monument to Barclay de Tolly
The monument to Prince Mikhail Bogdanovich Barclay de Tolly was erected on Lenin Square in 2007. This is the only equestrian monument to a Russian commander. The author of the monument is sculptor V.A. Surovtsev, architect – V.V. Pasenko. The total height of the monument is 7.2 meters.
Barclay de Tolly died in 1818 a few kilometers from the city of Insterburg - on the Stilitzen manor (now the village of Nagornoye). He was heading to Gemania for treatment with mineral waters, but did not arrive.
Bismarck Tower
The 15-meter-high Bismarck Tower was built on a hill in 1913 by the architect Schlichting from large cobblestones, in honor of the creator of the German Empire, the “Iron Chancellor” - Otto von Bismarck. The tower is located in the northwest of the city, near the village of Timiryazevo. Inside the tower there was a staircase leading to an observation deck, which offers beautiful views of the surrounding area. Currently the tower is in disrepair.
Georgenburg Castle
Address: Mayovka village Tsentralnaya st., building 4
Georgenburg Castle, like Waldau Castle, is one of the best preserved castles of the Knights of the Teutonic Order in the Kaliningrad region. During the assault by Soviet troops in 1945, the castle was not damaged. Now it is owned by the Russian Orthodox Church.
Duet of Chernyakhov museums: where to go
There are only two museums in Chernyakhovsk. They are dedicated to different topics, but serve one purpose - to attract and entertain tourists.
Museum of the History of Chernyakhovsk named after. Yanovsky
- Address: st. Krupskaya, 6.
The most unique museum of the Kaliningrad region was opened in 2008 on the initiative of entrepreneur V. I. Yanovsky. The centuries-old history of Chernyakhovsk is stored in two exhibition halls.
The first hall covers ancient times, displaying stone, ceramic products, weapons of the ancient Prussians, and German porcelain. Of particular interest is the model of Istenbrug Castle. The exhibition of the first hall ends with exhibits from the First World War.
In the second hall, everything begins with the Great Patriotic War, then touches on the post-war period and modern times. In the future, the museum plans to open a third hall dedicated to the fashionable theme of retro cars.
Museum-storage of cognac
- Address: st. Gogol, 9A.
It is impossible not to pay attention to the unusual complex in the constructivist style, which consists of two buildings shaped like irregular geometric figures. Inside these buildings are hidden the cognac factory's bins - barrels and bottles of the noble drink.
Recently, the storage facility has become a museum. Small excursion groups visit the cellar and tasting room, where they evaluate the best Alliance cognac. At the end of the excursion, those interested can purchase a bottle of their favorite drink.
